Bridges to Grace

Many time we fail or we have fallen short of who we should be. The accuser daily is condemning us. We hear a voice say, “You are lost”, or “You are not worthy”. When you listen to the voice it drains you of your joy. It drains you of your excitement of life. You go through your day without expression of God’s love for you and others. You allow the little things angry you or upset you. He tells you that you are naked. You can’t get back to God’s love. You went to far. You keep doing the same wrong over and over, now you went too far. HE IS A LIAR. The Victory has been won.

BUT God has redeem you from this condemnation. Jesus came and won the victory and has covered you with His blood.

Adam & Eve walked with God in the garden daily. But when they disobeyed him and ate of the tree their eyes were open to things they weren’t meant to see or experience.

Genesis 3:8-15 They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden… They hid themselves from the presence of God… God said where are you? Adam said I heard the sound of You and hid myself, I was afraid because I was naked. God said, Who told you that you were naked?

Fast forward to Jesus. When He came and died on The Cross for us our fellowship with God was restored. We are covered by His blood.

He has won the victory. Jesus is the head of the church and we are his body. Just as in a race when the head crosses the finish line, the race is won. Jesus has cross that line and is now seated at the right hand of God. I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).

Who told you that you were naked?

Revelation 12:10 … for the accuser of our [believing] brothers and sisters has been thrown down [at last], he who accuses them and keeps bringing charges [of sinful behavior] against them before our God day and night.

God has provided a way to combat these accusations, Jesus!

Romans 8:1 [ Escape from Bondage ] Therefore there is now nocondemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior].

Who told you that you were naked? Who told you that you were not forgiven or can’t be forgiven.

When you accept Jesus and what he did at The Cross you are cleansed & forgiven. Walk in that promise.

1 John 1:7 – “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

1 John 1:9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].

Who told you that you were naked? Who told yo that you were a slave to sin. You are redeemed. Walk in that promise.

Ephesians 1:7 – “In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

Colossians 1:13 – “He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.”

John 8:36 – “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

Who told you that you were naked? Who told you that you can’t go to God for all your needs? You have access.

Romans 5:2 – “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

Hebrews 10:19-22 – “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.”

You told you that you were naked? You told you that you were unloved?

John 3:16 “ForGod so [greatly] lovedand dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.

You told you that you were naked? You told you that you couldn’t be healed?

When Jesus shed His blood He became our Passover Lamb. We must apply His blood to the door posts of our hearts and claim the healing provided through His atoning blood. The atonement brings spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental healing.

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and With His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:3-5).

Exodus 15:26 – “I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians (the world) for I, the Lord, am your healer.”

Who told you that you were naked? Who told you that you were not clothed?

We are clothed with the righteousness of Jesus

As believers in Christ, there is a great exchange that has taken place. One of the things exchanged is our sin for Jesus’ own righteousness. Let’s take a look at a few scriptures:

Romans 3:22, “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”

Romans 3:25, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”

Romans 5:17, “For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

Jesus received what we deserved (punishment for our sins), and He gave us His righteousness in exchange!

We daily walk in the victory Jesus supplied for us. We have not arrived yet. We have been changed, we are being changed, and we will be changed.

Don’t let the accuser tell you that you are naked. He is a liar. You may have sinned and fallen short, yes indeed you have, BUT God has provided His only son so you can walk daily in newness of life. You are a victor in life. The enemy lies to you and tells you not to keep trying, just quit, you can’t make it, you have nothing in you that will provide you strength. HE IS A LIAR!

Get up my friend. Walk in the victory provide you. Because He has provided all for you and the victory is won already. Don’t look at who you are outside of that victory. What you do is not what gave you the victory and is not what keeps that victory. Praise God it is not us that keeps us in the midst of challenges. It is Jesus and what He has done. THE VICTORY is won. Praise God.

Father help us to see these promises. Help us to fight the good fight of faith. It is Jesus who came so that we can have life and life more abundantly. Remind us daily that we are loved. Also, that we are forgiven and we can come to you. That you desire us to look to you, not this world or ourselves. We are nothing without you. Oh Father when the voices come and are loud reveal yourself to us and quiet our hearts. Give us ears to hear. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Oh how many times do we get depress or discouraged when a situation arises. I know I have many of times. God is forever showing us daily that He is more powerful, more compassionate, and is The Shepherd of those who call on His name.

Many time He sends a word through His people to remind us of His Greatness. This was so true with the children of Israel and we can claim those same words for ourselves. He brings words of home, though we may be weak and we see our oppressors as strong, He is encouraging us to cling to Him.

When we read this scripture we see God’s power and strength.

Isaiah 40:12 (AMP)

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,

And marked off the heavens with a span [of the hand],

And calculated the dust of the earth with a [a]measure,

And weighed the mountains in a balance

And the hills in a pair of scales?

Back then they didn’t have all the scientific evidence that we do. They could look at creation and see His handy work. But we have more evidence.

Sticking us at the center of a massive sphere, the currently observable universe has a diameter of about 92 billion light years. Even with this observed distance, we know that it extends much further than that. He measured the Heavens with His hand. All the waters in the world He measured in the hollow of His hand.

We can go on and on about creation. But His wisdom is unsearchable. He doesn’t need to be told what is done, for He knows it. He doesn’t need advise, for who could give Him directions? He knows what needs to be done, the right way it needs to be done, & the right time it needs to be done.

His love for us is so big and endless. No one or nothing can take us out of His strong powerful hands.

Romans 8:35, 38-39 (AMP)

Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 38 For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 3:18 (AMP)

…the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]…

How wide is His love?: It is as wide as the arms of Christ outstretched on The Cross. Wide enough for everyone and broad enough to pull you into His loving arms.

How long?: His love is an everlasting love. His span reaches for eternities, past and future. There is never a time when He does not love you.

How high?: Look up, higher than all the stars, heaven, and it lifts us up to Him.

How Deep?: Deeper than all the problems, hurt, & pain: deeper than any distress, disaster, & reaches to the depths of our sins, griefs and pulls us out of the deepest pit.

His love is amazing. He will never, never, never leave you or forsake you. When the lies start coming just look up and see His amazing handing work.

Psalm 31:14 (AMP)

But as for me, I trust [confidently] in You and Your greatness, O Lord;

I said, “You are my God.”

Psalm 66:2-4 (AMP)

Sing of the honor and glory and magnificence of His name;

Make His praise glorious.

Say to God, “How awesome and fearfully glorious are Your works!

Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will pretend to be obedient to You.

“All the earth will [bow down to] worship You [in submissive wonder],

And will sing praises to You;

They will praise Your name in song.” Selah.

Psalm 86:10AMP)

For You are great and do wondrous works!

You alone are God.

We are more than conquerors because of what Jesus did on the Cross. The truest demonstration of God’s love for us. So what ever you may face today, look up for your redemption in nearer than you think. He overflows with Love for you. Nothing and no-one can take you from His hands.

Father reveal your love for each of us. Open our eyes to this truth. There is so much hurt and pain in this world, show us that your love has reach out through Your Son Jesus to us.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

These two verses speak volumes to my heart… Not even death, no enemy, no fear…. Nothing can prevent me from having a fruitful, productive, meaningful life IN CHRIST JESUS…. always abounding in the work of the Lord…. awaiting my eternal reward….. Praise God..

We have victory in us because of what Jesus Christ did for us at the Cross and Resurrection.. This great sacrifice Jesus made affects every area of the believers life.. Victory in Jesus is so much more than a song.. It is the living reality for every child of God! You and I can face Life steadfast…

So many wake up and pray this, “Father give me strength for today”. They have been tired out by the days before and need rest from the trials and burdens of life. God is so faithful. Not only does He promise strength for the day, but He promises strength for everyday.

Deuteronomy 33:25 … as thy days, so shall thy strength be.

As you live today, He will provide strength for the whole day. What ever you may face, He has already provided for the day.

Matthew Henry: “Thou shalt be strong and bright, as iron and brass.” The continuance of their strength and vigor: As thy days, so shall thy strength be. Many paraphrase it thus, “The strength of thy old age shall be like that of thy youth; thou shalt not feel a decay, nor be the worse for the wearing, but shalt renew thy youth; as if not thy shoes only, but thy bones, were iron and brass.” The day is often in scripture put for the events of the day; and, taking it so here, it is a promise that God would graciously support them under their trials and troubles, whatever they were. And so it is a promise sure to all the spiritual seed of Abraham, that God will wisely proportion their graces and comforts to the services and sufferings he calls them out to. Have they work appointed them? They shall have strength to do it. Have they burdens appointed them? They shall have strength to bear them; and never be tempted above that they are able. Faithful is he that has thus promised, and hath caused us to hope in this promise.

There are many scriptures that encourage us for our days ahead.

Habakkuk 3:19 (AMP)

The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my [a]high places [of challenge and responsibility].

We must daily remember that He is our source. We must look to Him, not our circumstances or our own strength. Our strength will weaken if we continually look to ourselves. Draw your strength from Him.

Ephesians 6:10(AMP)

…be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (AMP)

So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].

I am truly able, I am truly powerful, when I draw from God’s strength. Vs. 9 says “for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” His strength, His Grace, for today, you can trust Him.

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

A very present help. Today, what ever you need He is there NOW. TODAY.

One of my favorite verses is:

Lamentations 3:22-23 (AMP)

It is because of the Lord’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed,

Because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning;

Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.

Every morning is new. God will provide you strength for today. His mercies and loving kindness is new today. He wants you to trust Him for today. You can’t change yesterday or do anything about tomorrow. You can only live one day at a time.

Hebrews 4:16 (AMP)

Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].

Just at the right moment He will come. He is never late. He is always on time. Call on Him today. You will find His amazing Grace come upon you.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

This transformation happens in one moment and is a process that takes a lifetime.

As one surrenders their life to God through what Jesus did at the Cross they are changed, they are transformed, & they are made new.

(YOU WERE ONCE) You were slaves, you were disobedience and rebellious towards God, You lived & conducted yourself according to your passions of your flesh. You were afar off. You lived in your addictions. You were not a people.

(NOW YOU ARE) Now you are made near, now you are a child of God, now you walk in newness of life, now you washed. & are cleansed, now you are obedient, now you are free…

(YOU WILL BE) 1 Corinthians 15:52 (AMP) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at [the sound of] the last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [who believed in Christ] will be raised imperishable, and we will be [completely] changed [wondrously transformed].

That is a transformed life… You were – Passed…. Now you are – Present… You will be – Future…

And such some of youwere [once]. But youwere washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and youwere consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and youwere justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.

Among these we as well as youonce lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature], obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind [our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings]. We were then by nature children of [God’s] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.

Once youwere not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; onceyou were unpitied, but now you are pitied and have received mercy.

This transformation is like a caterpillar and the metamorphosis that takes place from one form to another.

“Christians are to undergo a complete change, under the power of God, which will find expression in our character & conduct.”(Vines)

Matthew Henry – And so great is the change the grace of God makes in the soul, that, as it follows, old things are passed away—old thoughts, old principles, and old practices, are passed away; and all these things must become new. Note, Regenerating grace creates a new world in the soul; all things are new. The renewed man acts from new principles, by new rules, with new ends, and in new company.

This transformation is something we allow to be done in us, not something we do by our own power. We submit to The Holy Spirit as He changes us from the inside out. He performs the work and we walk out the results.

You have been changed, you are being changed, & you will be changed…. You have been changed by the sacrifice of Jesus on The Cross. You are being changed as the Holy Spirit works in you. And one day you will be changed from this life to the next.

Father we surrender to you today. Make us new. Change us and transform us to the person you want us to be. Help us to remember that it is the work of The Holy Spirit in us and as we surrender to Him our lives will reflect that change on the outside as we walk and as we talk. It is your Grace that draws us to you and your compassion that moves in our lives. Thank you Lord that you don’t leave us the way you found us.